Once again, we move to Europe, as at the beginning of next month one of those events will take place that, as we always say, you should not miss for anything in the world whenever you have the chance.
We are talking about none other than Connichi 2024, the super event that will take place in Wiesbaden, Germany, from September 6 to 8. Obviously, you can guess why you shouldn’t miss it, but just in case, here we remind you of the reasons:
Connichi 2024 in Wiesbaden promises to be a spectacular showcase of Japanese pop culture, from September 6 to 8 at the RheinMain CongressCenter. This year, the convention stands out with performances by Japanese artists such as the band Luck Life, famous for their themes in Bungo Stray Dogs and Tsurune. Additionally, it offers cosplayers unique photographic settings like the Villa Clementine and the Kurhaus, perfect for capturing the essence of your favorite characters in an impressive environment.
Besides being a meeting point for anime and manga fans, Connichi becomes a platform to explore creativity through cosplay video contests and a wide range of workshops and panels. It’s an ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in a weekend full of innovation, art, and community, where every corner of the event offers a new and exciting experience. Get ready to experience the magic of Connichi 2024, an event that not only celebrates but elevates Japanese culture in the heart of Germany.
Special Guests
Connichi 2024 in Wiesbaden is shaping up to be an exceptional event, with the confirmed presence of several renowned special guests in Japanese pop culture. Here we present a list of some of the distinguished guests confirmed for this year:
- Luck Life – The band famous for their themes in anime like Bungo Stray Dogs and Tsurune.
- Vincent Fallow – Known for his voice in Final Fantasy XVI.
- bala – From Tokyo, known for their innovative musical style.
- Shibuya Kaho – Famous content creator on Twitch and author, who will speak about her career in the entertainment industry.
- Kenichi Kutsuna – Prominent in animation and character design.
- nano.RIPE – A musical band that has contributed to numerous anime.
- Nao Hirasawa – Influential producer in the anime industry.
- Ryoochimo Sawa (Ryo-timo) – Recognized for his work in animation and direction.
These guests represent just a sample of the exceptional talent that will converge at Connichi 2024, ensuring that attendees experience the best of Japanese culture through panels, presentations, and autograph sessions. The convention promises to be an indispensable meeting point for fans of anime and Japanese pop culture, offering unique interactions with key figures in the sector.
Highlighted Activities
Connichi 2024 is loaded with exciting activities and special events confirmed, promising to make this convention a memorable place for enthusiasts of Japanese pop culture. Here is a list of highlighted activities for this year:
- AMV and GMV Contest: A contest where participants can showcase their skills in creating Anime Music Videos (AMV) and Game Music Videos (GMV).
- AMV and GMV Exhibition: In addition to the contests, there will be an exhibition where works by various creators will be displayed, offering a platform to appreciate video editing talent.
- Cosplay Sessions at Historic Locations: Places like the Villa Clementine and the Kurhaus will offer impressive backgrounds for cosplay photo sessions.
- Japanese Band Concerts: Live performances by bands like Luck Life, who have significantly contributed to the soundtracks of various anime.
- Discussion Panels with Special Guests: Interactive sessions where guests like Shibuya Kaho will share experiences and advice related to the entertainment industry.
- Japanese Culture Workshops: Educational activities on how to wear a kimono or draw in manga style, offering a deep cultural immersion.
- Ramen Eating Contest: A fun and delicious competition challenging participants to consume ramen as quickly as possible.
- Games and Video Games Area: Spaces dedicated to enjoying board games and video games, including tournaments and free play.
Each of these activities is designed to offer visitors a rich and diverse experience, covering everything from artistic creativity to interactive entertainment and cultural education. Connichi 2024 is the ideal destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of anime, manga, and beyond.
Connichi in History
Connichi has been an annual convention celebrating Japanese pop culture since its first edition in 2002 in Ludwigshafen, Germany. Since then, it has grown significantly in popularity and activities offered, becoming a must-attend event for anime and manga fans in Europe.
Next, we present a list of notable events that have taken place in past editions of Connichi:
- 2002: Inauguration of Connichi, highlighted by the presence of Kazuya Tsurumaki from GAINAX.
- 2004: The convention featured important voice actors and the band Blood.
- 2007: A record attendance was established with performances by bands m.o.v.e. and RENTRER EN SOI.
- 2010: Significant events included the participation of Yutaka Uemura and Gakuto Mikumo from GAINAX, along with fashion presentations by “Baby, The Stars Shine Bright“.
- 2012: It was a year marked by the presence of prominent figures such as Toru Furuya and extensive cosplay celebrations.
- 2015: Special presentation by Kanae Ito, famous seiyū and singer, which attracted large crowds.
- 2018: Introduction of new eSports competitions within the convention, reflecting the growing popularity of video games.
- 2022: Celebration of the 20th anniversary of Connichi, which included a special anniversary show with guests of honor from throughout the convention’s history.
These events are just some examples of how Connichi has managed to create memorable and significant moments over the years, offering attendees a unique platform to immerse in Japanese culture and connect with other fans and professionals in the sector. Connichi remains a standout event that reflects the passion and enthusiasm for anime and manga not only in Germany but across Europe.
Have we mentioned Cosplay?
At Connichi, cosplay is much more than a hobby; it is a vital manifestation of the culture of the event that is celebrated annually in Germany. This convention has been a meeting point for cosplay enthusiasts from its inception, providing a space where both novices and veterans can exhibit their skills in costume creation and participate in competitions.
From cosplay contests that allow participants to showcase their detailed and original creations to photo sessions in settings specifically designed to highlight these costumes, Connichi has established itself as a hub for innovation in cosplay. Each year, cosplayers strive to surpass the standards of the previous year, pushing the limits of creativity and technical execution. Additionally, the event has hosted the preliminaries for the World Cosplay Summit, offering a platform for local talents to project themselves on an international level.
The importance of cosplay at Connichi is also reflected in the learning opportunities it offers through workshops and panels. Experts and veteran artists share their knowledge on costume-making techniques, acting tips, and integrating technology into cosplay. This not only enriches the attendees’ experience but also strengthens the cosplay community, fostering an environment of support and continuous growth. Connichi remains a must-visit destination for any cosplay enthusiast, promising each year to be a spectacle of creativity and passion.
So…
Okay, now that we have given you all the information about Connichi 2024, you should already have all the solid reasons why you shouldn’t miss it, but… just in case, here we will give you a brief review:
Connichi 2024 is much more than an anime and manga convention; it is a meeting point for thousands of enthusiasts of Japanese culture who wish to share their passion in a vibrant and welcoming environment. With a history that dates back more than two decades, Connichi has grown to become the largest anime and manga event in Germany, attracting approximately 25,000 visitors each year. This year, the event is filled with activities that include everything from cosplay and video game contests to Japanese culture workshops and live concerts.
The unique features of Connichi, such as its AMV contest, the largest and longest-running in Germany, and its varied offering of workshops and panels, make this event an indispensable experience. Moreover, the presence of renowned special guests from the Japanese entertainment industry and opportunities for learning and participation in international competitions like the World Cosplay Summit, add exceptional value to your experience. Do not miss the opportunity to be part of this unique celebration of Japanese pop culture, which promises to be memorable.
So, with almost nothing else to add, now is the time when we ask you to grab your backpack, your cosplay suit, and your water bottle and swing by the comments, to leave us your opinion about this event, or your best experiences if you have been lucky enough to attend in the past! Because, you know Otaku, we’ll be reading you! 😉
Images Source: Connichi 2024 Official Website, Connichi on Instagram
